The Question: ‘How are you?’. The Answer: ‘Tired’. The Problem: All too common. Whether it’s walking through a crowd or sitting in a coffee shop, I hear too many conversations starting just that way. People are sleep deprived! Makes me wonder if Mr. Sandman is on vacation…so how does one start to improve sleep? Tip 1: Avoid caffeine 4-6 hours before bedtime. Caffeine is a tricky thing. Some associate caffeine only with coffee or energy drinks. It’s also in soda,…
Established in 1982
Author: Brooke Lewis
Brooke, a Registered Clinical Counsellor, offers counselling to individuals thirteen years and older who are experiencing a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, transition, stress management, personal growth, and substance abuse.
Brooke incorporates a range of therapy orientations into her practice. She provides a safe, supportive environment in which clients can explore their personal challenges and difficulties.
Brooke has worked in high school settings in addition to day and residential addiction programs. Brooke has also provided workshops on a variety of topics including stress management, addition, suicide and sexual exploitation. She received her Doctorate of Psychology from Cal Southern University. Brooke has a special interest in self destructive behaviours, emotional regulation and physical activity in mental health.
Orthorexia Nervosa: When Healing Becomes Unhealthy
Sally scrolls through her social media and an article catches her eye. She clicks on the link and begins to read about how processed foods can be harmful to health. She resonates with the article and slowly stops eating processed foods such as cereals and canned soups. Sally becomes more curious and starts researching more about food, its production, and the impact on our health. She begins to cut out other food categories believing they are bad for her, such…
My Teen is Cutting: What can I do?
Liz and Dan recently received a call from the school counsellor informing them their 14 year old daughter, Becky, has been cutting herself. Liz and Dan were in disbelief and confusion. Becky has always been an outstanding child who is friendly, outgoing, does well in school, is in cheer competitively and helps out around the house. When meeting with Becky, the therapist discovers she has been feeling extremely overwhelmed by pressures to be perfect and successful. Becky started self-harming last…
Posted in Addictions, Depression, Family & Parenting, Stress & Anxiety, Therapy Tagged with: adolescence, daughter, self-harm, teens, youth
Benefits of a Mindful Brain
Has anybody ever told you to stop and smell the roses? And have you? If you have, you may have noticed some changes in the moment. Your heart rate lowers, you breathe deeper, you are able to smell the sweetness radiating from the flower. Your vision is absorbed in the vibrant colors. You may even reach out and touch the silky smooth petal. In this moment, your mind stops. Your to-do list seems to slip away and your worries leave…
Posted in General, Personal Growth, Therapy Tagged with: breathing, emotional regulation, mindfulness, present moment, relaxation, worry
Girls Can Be So Mean
Lately Susie has been complaining of not feeling well and wanting to stay home from school. Susie’s mom, Cheryl, takes her to the doctor who is unable to find any medical reason for feeling ill. Time goes on, Susie starts asking to come home early from school. When she’s at home, Susie stays in her room or looks through social media while bumming out on the couch. She stays home on the weekends and when asked if she wants to…
Posted in Family & Parenting
Depressed? or Just Not Happy?
In searching for a topic to write on, I reached out to my social media network for suggestions. The overwhelming response was from people wanting to read about depression. My initial thoughts were, ‘Depression?? Well that’s depressing’. Focusing on the negative often leads to a negative mindset and negative mood, which is the last thing I want readers to be left with! I pondered, how can I write about depression with a positive spin? I began to question, perhaps people…
Posted in Depression, Personal Growth
Control Your Self-Talk
If I were to follow you around all day long and tell you ‘you’re dumb’, ‘you’re ugly’, ‘you’re a failure’, what would you do? Chances are you are not going to turn around and give me a hug. It is more likely you are going to turn around and confront me because it is not ok to speak to others that way. The odd thing is, when we get overwhelmed with life’s tasks, we tend to say these same things…
Posted in Personal Growth
Best Years of Their Lives?
Often times I hear people tell youth their teen years are going to be the ‘best years of their lives’. Every time I hear this, I shake my head. Having worked with a teenage population for a couple years has opened my eyes to all the new challenges and difficulties that are being thrown into the lives of youth. It seems too often that young people are coming to me with overwhelming feelings of anxiety and worry. So let’s take…
Posted in Family & Parenting
